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AT&T bringing 25 solar charging stations for mobile devices in New York

AT&T seems to understand the need for more powerful batteries when all other components in a mobile device advance. Even though it won’t create batteries for its mobile devices, a lending hand will be delivered in the form of solar-powered charging stations.

Starting with Tuesday, New York will be the home of no less than 25 solar charging stations that can power batteries for all types of smartphones. Ready to charge up to six devices at a time, these stations can supply power through dedicated ports for Android-based products but also for iPhones, BlackBerry handsets and other gadgets that have a standard USB plug.

Designed with solar technology provided by mobile solar start-up Goal Zero, AT&T’s environment-friendly stations are 12.5-foot steel poles with three petal-like panes mounted on top to gather energy. The charge will be delivered through the base of the system were three other petals made out of wood will accommodate products.

The three petal-like panels run on a 15-watt charger which is then paired with a 168-watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can sustain charges through the night or through five days without sunshine. Those who are willing to test them will be able to fill a smartphone battery in approximately two hours or grab a 30 percent charge in half an hour.

Image Credit: Michael Nagle for The New York Time

The project will run for three to four weeks at a time until October and those interested should find one in various parks, beaches and other outdoor spaces in the five boroughs. The most predictable locations for these stations are spots such as the Union Square Park, Metrotech Plaza and the Rockaway Beach.

All 25 stations will be rotated and should be seen also in Orchard Beach, Governors Island, Pier 59 in the Hudson River Park, Coney Island, the Staten Island Zoo and around several cultural events.

AT&T is said to invest between $300,000 and $500,000 in the project, a sum which should bring back unmeasured benefits. This isn’t AT&T’s first initiative meant to help the community, as the carrier has offered free wireless hotspots mounted in subways, parks and during cultural events in the past.

Even though AT&T’s solar stations will not be carrier-restricted, with all Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile customers being permitted to charge their devices, AT&T will surely apply proper marketing strategies on each and every location. All in the hope of profiting from the fastest growing area in the telecommunications segment and, helping those in need.

Alex holds an engineering degree in Telecommunications and has been covering technology as a writer since 2009. Customization it’s his middle name and he doesn't like to own stock model gadgets. When he’s away from the keyboard, simpler things like hiking, mountain climbing and having a cold drink make his day.